Natural vs Synthetic makeup brushes

MAC 134 Large Powder Brush

NATURAL makeup brushes are called so because they have natural fibers which are derived from animals. The popular ones are goat hair (white) and sable hair which are both really soft, offer great blending ability, while allow for natural-looking application. These bruhes are more sturdy and definitely good quality.

Best to use with: powder-based products such as powders, blushes, and eye shadows

Best to use for: blending, patting down color on the eyelids, intensifying color

Bests on the market: most high-end cosmetics such as MAC , Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford (or Sigma as an inexpensive alternative)

Real Techniques Powder  Brush

SYNTHETIC brushes have bristles usually made from nylon and taklon, therefore, these brushes are cruelty-free as well as less expensive. But keep in mind that it's hard to find really good quality synthetic brushes! Most drugstore ones are not good enough. 

They are also really good for people who might have allergic reaction to animal hair. They tend to be more stiff than natural hair; therefore, they allow for a more precise application. 

Good quality synthetic brushes can be used both with powder-based and cream-based products. 

Best to use with: creamy products such as liquid foundations, concealers, cream eye shadows, cream blushes, gel liners, lipsticks, etc...

Best to use for: buffing or stippling foundation, applying mineral powders, blending in concealer, applying cream highlighters or cream blushes, applying natural-looking bronzers, lighter application of color, eye-lining, lip color application

Bests on the market: Real Techniques, Cozzette, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (all can be found on Love Makeup UK)


Next article will be about the individual brushes and their uses.